Some of you may be familiar with the phrase, "grown folks' conversation." It is usually used in situations where children try to insert themselves into a conversation that is over their heads or suitable only for mature minds.
What President Obama did last night in his State of the Union Address was model what "grown folks' conversation" ought to look and sound like at the highest level. Hopefully, our minds and spirits are mature enough to see beyond party affiliation to appreciate his attempt to help our leaders and all of us see that, at the end of the day, we are all on the same team--Team America.
Prayerfully our minds and spirits are mature enough to recognize that those seated in the audience demonstrated grown folks' response to grown folks' conversation.
Across party lines, our leaders showed respect for the office and the occasion for which they were gathered by standing and applauding those points with which all could agree. It was a refreshing departure from the usual schoolyard, stone-faced scowls that some in each party tend to display toward the other during these speeches.
"When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child; but when I became a man, I put away childish things" (1 Corinthians 13:11).
President Obama essentially acknowledged that both parties, Republican and Democrat, shared responsibility for getting us into our current mess and that, consequently, both parties must share responsibility for getting us on track and moving forward. Exactly how we do that will be determined from much debate, disagreements, and finally agreeing to disagree. The key is that "grown folks" recognize that conflict must not be a dividing point, but a drawing point to force both sides to the table.
This approach is in line with the biblical way of handling disagreements and working toward unity. It is a spiritually and emotionally mature approach to leadership, one that those of us who are Christians and leaders are directed to follow.
Acts 15 provides an excellent example of working together to resolving weighty matters. Acts 15:7 explains that "...there had been much disputing...." regarding what was required of Gentiles in order to be received into the body of Christ. Peter arose and boldly declared that God "...put no difference between us and them...." (verse 9). Yet there were those "...which went out...and...troubled...with words..."(verse 24).
Ultimately, the apostles, elders and brethren carefully and prayerfully wrote a letter outlining their proposal to resolve the dispute. The spirit with which they approached the issue was evident and was evidently right for, when the people read the letter, "... they rejoiced for the consolation" (Acts 15:31).
How we long for our political leaders to use more words of consolation instead of confrontation. Name calling, labeling, stirring up fear and hatred have no place in grown folks' conversation. Let's sincerely pray that the civility and (even small) attempts at unity displayed by our leaders last night will be a turning point in how we work together to steward what God has entrusted to us in this country.
Regardless of our political party affiliation, those of us who are Christians are united under the blood-stained banner of Jesus Christ, which trumps any political party. As such, we are called to pray for (not against) those in leadership, for ultimately, "the government shall be upon His [Christ's] shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). That fact should be a sobering reminder that it is not our votes or party affiliation that will accomplish true justice in the land. Rather, "the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this"(Isaiah 9:7).
So let's maintain the peace that passes understanding with regard to politics--a peace that shows our trust is ultimately in God, not any man or woman. Let's be kind to those with whom we disagree, for we are admonished in Matthew 5:47 that, "if you are kind only to your brothers, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that." And, let's lovingly but firmly explain to those that insist on being mean-spirited and divisive to stay out of grown folks' conversation.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
A weekly posting of encouraging and challenging thoughts about life from Rev. Karen W. Curry, a pastor's wife and mother of two who is also --in her "spare time"-- a dynamic preacher, teacher, motivational speaker, facilitator, writer, reviewer, poet, MC, liturgical dance/drama consultant and storyteller. Contact Rev. Karen at BNcouraged247@msn.com to speak at your next service or retreat.
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
When "All Natural" is Not All Right
"Organic" is the buzzword of the day. Everywhere we look find organic products. There are organic foods, organic grooming products, even "organic" dry cleaners.
An organic label conjures notions of something being all natural in its composition or in its process. And, the inherent assumption is that anything all natural is all good. Not necessarily so. In fact, there are some herbs and natural plants that will speedily bring an end to any natural life that dares to consume them.
We live as natural beings, and, through the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, we live simultaneously as supernatural beings. As long as we live on this side of glory, we live naturally and supernaturally, and therein lies our struggle.
Those things that we comprehend in the natural are sometimes the exact opposite of what God instructs in the supernatural. Take for instance, the scripture in James 1:19 that tells us to be "quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry."
That guidance is in direct opposition to what we tend to do naturally in conversations-- especially heated ones. If we are honest about it, we are often slow to listen and quick to speak and fly off the handle. We jump in, jump to conclusions, and just jump all over each other trying to make sure we get our point across.
We are instructed to "not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:9). Well, naturally you know how that goes...again, the exact opposite of God's Word.
Also, in our natural way of thinking, if you add 1+1 you will get 2. When it comes to marriage, however, God's math says 1+1=1. And, furthermore, in order to comprehend the concept of the Holy Trinity, you have to accept that 1+1+1=1!
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He taught us that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." In other words, physical food is not enough to completely sustain us. We must have spiritual nourishment also.
When we try to live only as all natural beings, we miss out on the deeper truths and wisdom that come from above, far beyond nature. While it is commendable to strive to be "one with nature," if we do not concurrently hunger and thirst after righteousness and strive to be one with God, our creator, we run the risk of worshiping the creation instead of the creator.
We also limit ourselves and foolishly attempt to contain God in a box--organically constructed of all natural materials, of course--and think we can somehow arrive at "enlightenment" through human faculties or nature alone.
Just remember, it's alright to be natural, but we can never be all right without the supernatural.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
An organic label conjures notions of something being all natural in its composition or in its process. And, the inherent assumption is that anything all natural is all good. Not necessarily so. In fact, there are some herbs and natural plants that will speedily bring an end to any natural life that dares to consume them.
We live as natural beings, and, through the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit, we live simultaneously as supernatural beings. As long as we live on this side of glory, we live naturally and supernaturally, and therein lies our struggle.
Those things that we comprehend in the natural are sometimes the exact opposite of what God instructs in the supernatural. Take for instance, the scripture in James 1:19 that tells us to be "quick to listen and slow to speak or get angry."
That guidance is in direct opposition to what we tend to do naturally in conversations-- especially heated ones. If we are honest about it, we are often slow to listen and quick to speak and fly off the handle. We jump in, jump to conclusions, and just jump all over each other trying to make sure we get our point across.
We are instructed to "not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing" (1 Peter 3:9). Well, naturally you know how that goes...again, the exact opposite of God's Word.
Also, in our natural way of thinking, if you add 1+1 you will get 2. When it comes to marriage, however, God's math says 1+1=1. And, furthermore, in order to comprehend the concept of the Holy Trinity, you have to accept that 1+1+1=1!
When Jesus was tempted in the wilderness He taught us that "man shall not live by bread alone, but by every Word that proceeds out of the mouth of God." In other words, physical food is not enough to completely sustain us. We must have spiritual nourishment also.
When we try to live only as all natural beings, we miss out on the deeper truths and wisdom that come from above, far beyond nature. While it is commendable to strive to be "one with nature," if we do not concurrently hunger and thirst after righteousness and strive to be one with God, our creator, we run the risk of worshiping the creation instead of the creator.
We also limit ourselves and foolishly attempt to contain God in a box--organically constructed of all natural materials, of course--and think we can somehow arrive at "enlightenment" through human faculties or nature alone.
Just remember, it's alright to be natural, but we can never be all right without the supernatural.
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Your preScription is Ready!
From cradle to grave, we rely on various medicines to keep our fragile human bodies functioning properly. Newborns are prescribed medicines to help strengthen their lungs, toddlers and children are prescribed ointments to treat skin rashes, teens and adults may take antibiotics to fight various infections, and sadly, our seniors are often overprescribed a laundry list of medicines.
Often, we put blind faith in our doctors and the medicines they prescribe for us, because we trust that they are working for our good. We follow the doctors' orders exactly as prescribed so that we are sure to get the promised results. A call from our pharmacist to say, "Your prescription is ready!" is sweet music to our ears for it is almost the equivalent of hearing, "Your healing is on the way!"
When will we realize that the same faith we readily put into a medical prescription is what it takes for us to tap into the power of the Holy scriptures? If we just leave the words on the page without digesting them, it's the same as leaving our pills in the bottle without taking them.
We are to meditate daily upon God's Word, not try to survive off of remnants of what we heard someone else say about what they heard someone say God said! God's Word is alive and operative and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is personal enough and powerful enough to slice and dice through whatever spiritual bacterial infection we contract--but only if we actually take it into our heart and minds and apply it in our lives.
If you've only been reading God's Word occasionally, try a daily dose. Those of us in ministry, please remember that reading scriptures for sermon preparation is not necessarily the same as reading God's Word for personal growth.
Just think about all of the wonderful and insightful things God wants to share with us personally through His Word if we would just take Him at His Word and meditate on the scriptures day and night. And thankfully, unlike our medical prescriptions, the Scriptures have no adverse side affects--and some of those medical side affects are downright deadly! In fact, it is the Scriptures that heal us from the adverse and deadly side affects of sin!
Regardless of your situation, there IS a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. The Great Physician has already seen your condition and has just what you need for true inner healing. If you are ready to really trust God for what ails you, here are the words you've been waiting to hear: "Your preScription is Ready!" Now go pick it up!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Often, we put blind faith in our doctors and the medicines they prescribe for us, because we trust that they are working for our good. We follow the doctors' orders exactly as prescribed so that we are sure to get the promised results. A call from our pharmacist to say, "Your prescription is ready!" is sweet music to our ears for it is almost the equivalent of hearing, "Your healing is on the way!"
When will we realize that the same faith we readily put into a medical prescription is what it takes for us to tap into the power of the Holy scriptures? If we just leave the words on the page without digesting them, it's the same as leaving our pills in the bottle without taking them.
We are to meditate daily upon God's Word, not try to survive off of remnants of what we heard someone else say about what they heard someone say God said! God's Word is alive and operative and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is personal enough and powerful enough to slice and dice through whatever spiritual bacterial infection we contract--but only if we actually take it into our heart and minds and apply it in our lives.
If you've only been reading God's Word occasionally, try a daily dose. Those of us in ministry, please remember that reading scriptures for sermon preparation is not necessarily the same as reading God's Word for personal growth.
Just think about all of the wonderful and insightful things God wants to share with us personally through His Word if we would just take Him at His Word and meditate on the scriptures day and night. And thankfully, unlike our medical prescriptions, the Scriptures have no adverse side affects--and some of those medical side affects are downright deadly! In fact, it is the Scriptures that heal us from the adverse and deadly side affects of sin!
Regardless of your situation, there IS a balm in Gilead to heal the sin sick soul. The Great Physician has already seen your condition and has just what you need for true inner healing. If you are ready to really trust God for what ails you, here are the words you've been waiting to hear: "Your preScription is Ready!" Now go pick it up!
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
I've Got You Covered
Since this past Sunday was not only the first Sunday of the month, but the first one of the new year, I guess it was only fitting that my Pastor/husband preached from the first book of the Bible, Genesis.
As he preached about all of the drama that ensued between the serpent, Adam and Eve, one thing that stood out to me was the mention of clothing or covering in Genesis 3:7 and 21.
After disobeying God and eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve found that their eyes "...were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves." (Genesis 3:7)
Like many of us do today, once we mess up, we proceed quickly to a coverup. Sadly, the coverup is often more complicated than the mistake we are trying to cover. Notice that the Bible says they "sewed fig leaves together." Think about it. I'm not sure what utensils they had at their disposal for sewing, but it couldn't have been a needle and thread. Who knows what they had to do in order to string those leaves together. It may have taken hours of labor, and they had no pattern to follow!
Not only did they somehow rig up some unbeleaveable garments (I couldn't resist!) from the fig leaves, they also made loincloths for themselves. Loins, of course, are flesh. So, the assumption is that they killed animals and made clothing from the animal skins. Again, no easy task.
Before their disobedience to God, they were naked, unashamed and unaware of conflict and drama. Afterward, they were stressed about being exposed, scrounging for materials to hook up fig leaves, chasing and killing animals in a place where death had not ever been experienced, and none of it was enough to hide them from the eyes of God.
Apparently all their efforts at designing clothes were in vain, for we read in verse 21 that "...the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife and clothed them." God had to cover up those rag tag coverups that Adam and Eve craftily conjured up.
God's unconditional love allowed Him to cover them in the midst of their sin, the same way He allowed the blood of Jesus to provide much-needed cover for all of our sins. When we sin and fall short of the glory of God, we can't look to ourselves or lean on our own understanding to make things right and we definitely can't hide from God.
Instead, we must humble ourselves and confess to God, for "a broken spirit and a contrite heart He will not despise." And, when we come to God sincerely repenting and seeking forgiveness, the cross and the blood of Jesus are our reminders that God has, in essence, already declared, "I've Got You Covered."
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
As he preached about all of the drama that ensued between the serpent, Adam and Eve, one thing that stood out to me was the mention of clothing or covering in Genesis 3:7 and 21.
After disobeying God and eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve found that their eyes "...were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made loincloths for themselves." (Genesis 3:7)
Like many of us do today, once we mess up, we proceed quickly to a coverup. Sadly, the coverup is often more complicated than the mistake we are trying to cover. Notice that the Bible says they "sewed fig leaves together." Think about it. I'm not sure what utensils they had at their disposal for sewing, but it couldn't have been a needle and thread. Who knows what they had to do in order to string those leaves together. It may have taken hours of labor, and they had no pattern to follow!
Not only did they somehow rig up some unbeleaveable garments (I couldn't resist!) from the fig leaves, they also made loincloths for themselves. Loins, of course, are flesh. So, the assumption is that they killed animals and made clothing from the animal skins. Again, no easy task.
Before their disobedience to God, they were naked, unashamed and unaware of conflict and drama. Afterward, they were stressed about being exposed, scrounging for materials to hook up fig leaves, chasing and killing animals in a place where death had not ever been experienced, and none of it was enough to hide them from the eyes of God.
Apparently all their efforts at designing clothes were in vain, for we read in verse 21 that "...the Lord God made garments of skins for the man and for his wife and clothed them." God had to cover up those rag tag coverups that Adam and Eve craftily conjured up.
God's unconditional love allowed Him to cover them in the midst of their sin, the same way He allowed the blood of Jesus to provide much-needed cover for all of our sins. When we sin and fall short of the glory of God, we can't look to ourselves or lean on our own understanding to make things right and we definitely can't hide from God.
Instead, we must humble ourselves and confess to God, for "a broken spirit and a contrite heart He will not despise." And, when we come to God sincerely repenting and seeking forgiveness, the cross and the blood of Jesus are our reminders that God has, in essence, already declared, "I've Got You Covered."
BNcouraged!
Rev. Karen
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